Advocating Autism Recovery & Awareness Worldwide

Tagged Autism

The Autism Society of California is pleased to release our 2014 California Autism Survey. While a number of areas are explored in the survey, the two major areas of focus are autism insurance and employment. The survey will be open through Wednesday, February 5, 2014 for input by parents, guardians and individuals with autism.

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 15, 2014)- Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) today announced the release of Autism Learning Games: Camp Discovery, which houses a growing suite of educational games designed to teach children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) new skills. The app incorporates the evidence-based behavior principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) used in the comprehensive CARD curriculum for over 20 years. It offers fun learning opportunities for children with ASD, ages 2 and older, to learn lessons thoroughly by matching, sorting, and completing receptive tasks. Camp Discovery is available at no cost for iPad and is coming soon for iPhone, Android and Kindle devices.

Camp Discovery is voice narrated and requires little to no adult supervision. The interface is user friendly, with all responses requiring only dragging and dropping or touching flashcards to be successful. The teaching procedures used in Camp Discovery were designed by experts in the field of ABA and are grounded on evidence-based teaching principles. For correct responses, players receive both visual and auditory reinforcement to keep them motivated and engaged. If a player responds incorrectly, a unique prompting system guides the player to answer correctly. Although Camp Discovery was designed for children with ASD, all children can benefit from the carefully planned teaching procedures.

ABA is the only scientifically validated treatment for ASD, and research shows it is most effective when delivered early and at a high level of intensity. Camp Discovery is an innovative tool created by CARD to increase access to treatment resources through technology. The app gives families the ability to supplement their child’s treatment program from home and also may be used by families waiting to start services.

“Camp Discovery incorporates preference assessments, which sets it apart from other children’s learning apps. The component is used in behavioral intervention to deliver preferred rewards as reinforcement for correct answers,” said Dennis Dixon, Ph.D., chief strategy officer at CARD. “The app addresses the demand for mobile educational solutions that use proven techniques.”

Preference assessments take place before learning trials begin, and rewards for correct responses are personalized for each player to maintain the child’s interest. Camp Discovery also offers mini games that serve as rewards for completing rounds and keep children motivated to learn. The app gives parents and caregivers the ability to track a child’s progress across games with automated graphs. Multiple settings may be manipulated to personalize the player’s learning experience.

Start the year off right with this month’s fun Smary video! This month (January) features an activity for children to practice their episodic memory skills. In doing so, they’ll get to make a fun time capsule. Just follow along the template below (also found on the Autism Live Facebook page) and you and your child will have a fun, simple time capsule to put memories in!

As the ball dropped and 2014 was officially rung in, my first thought was, “More Americans with Autism will have access to important, life- changing therapies than ever before!” My second thought, after a heavy sigh, was, “It’s not enough.” There is so much more work to be done. Autism as a community of individuals, both those who are on the spectrum and those who love those on the spectrum, has struggled to find a clear voice. Ironic? Perhaps. But the time to come together is now; the time to be clear, concise, and direct is NOW!

At CARD, we believe in adding value through measurable results. Nothing motivates us more than seeing positive outcomes in the families and individuals whom we treat. Our mission is to provide our clients with the treatment that they need, expand their opportunities to achieve, and help them lead happy, independent lives.

The A-word chronicles a family’s experience with autism and progress motivated by therapy from the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD). Follow Mike, Cheryl, and little Jack Riley, and experience the true meaning of autism, the A-Word.

It’s the season of giving and sometimes it’s hard to find that perfect gift for your child’s teacher. To help, this month we’ve thought of the perfect craft project for that great teacher in your child’s life! The best part is that the craft simple enough that every child can make it and the craft is sharp enough that it will look great in any teacher’s classroom.